Sikasso, the capital of the Sikasso Region, is a beautiful city in the south of Mali. History has it that Sikasso was founded at the beginning of the nineteenth century by Mansa Douala. The town was a small village until 1876 when Tieba Traoré became King of the Kénédougou Empire and shifted its capital there. He established his palace on the sacred Mamelon hill and built a 'tata' or fortifying wall to defend against the attacks of the Dyula conqueror Samori Ture and the French colonial army. The city survived a long siege from 1887 to 1888 but fell to the French in 1898.
A visit to Sikasso is a must while you are on your Mali Tour. Travel to this place as it is one of the most popular Tourist destinations in Mali. If you want to visit the major tourist attractions, you have to take a trip to outside the city. Visit the Misiri Koro which is a fine example of the religious tolerance of the entire Mali. It is both a mosque and a site for animist sacrifices and ceremonies. The rising Mamelon hill has the Missirikoro Grotto on one side. This is where Muslim pilgrims stayed, and still stay, for months, praying and fasting. At the base of the other side, you will find a large rock altar. You might still see chicken blood and feathers there. Despite the fact that the hill is regarded as one with high spiritual significance, local guides will still be co-operative to escort visitors to the top with the help of attached ladders and chains. The top gives a spectacular view of the miles-long surrounding area.
Other attractions at Sikasso include the large local market, the remains of Tieba Traoré's tata and others. If you happen to travel to Sikasso in Mali during June, you will be able to experience the fascinating Triangle du balafon festival which takes place every year in June celebrating the traditional Malian instrument. You can also visit underground tombs at Bougouni and the Farako caves and a huge Thursday market at Koutiala to the northeast.
Complete and authentic online information on Sikasso offered at travel.mapsofworld
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